8 Open House Marketing Tips for a Full House

So, you want to host a successful open house. Then you should know that good open house marketing is just as vital as being a good host. After all, what’s the point of holding an event if no one knows it’s happening? You’ll need professional photos and marketing materials to spread the word and entice people to show up. Think about your target audience when deciding where to promote and spend ad money. To help you get started, we put together these 8 open house marketing tips to attract a full house at your next event!

Prep the House

First, the house needs to be prepped before you can do any marketing. This means doing a deep clean, decluttering, and depersonalizing any spaces that will be viewed during the open house. You want to remove anything that might distract buyers and get the property looking its best for the marketing photos.

Book Professional Photography

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then you want a professional real estate photographer to take it! Let them know the photos’ purpose and discuss potential add-ons, such as drone or lifestyle shots. They also have experience with real estate marketing and can recommend other services that might fit your needs.

Create Marketing Materials

Use the new photos to create your marketing content, including digital and printed flyers and social media ads. Create a few options with different pictures to appeal to each of your target markets. Include the open house date and time plus some brief details about the home, but don’t overwhelm them.

Run Digital Ads

Most homebuyers search online first, so think about your target demographic(s) and where they spend their time. Is it Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit? Promote a Facebook Event page, film sneak peek videos for TikTok, and share images across other social media in 2-3 weeks leading up to the open house.

Put It On the MLS

Did you know you can post open house events to the MLS? Your event and listing will appear in the results of any agent searching for upcoming open houses. Be sure to include offer deadlines and other important agent-to-agent instructions. Add clear directions on how to get there and where to park, too.

Email Your Database

Let your database of contacts know with an email invite. Attach an open house flyer and include more details in the body of the email, along with a link to the listing. If you’re hosting for someone else, ask if they would send it to their database, too. (If it’s their listing, the answer is probably yes).

Go Door Knocking

Knock on doors in the neighborhood where the open house will be, plus those on either side. Let the neighbors know when it’s happening and to expect more activity in the area. Invite them to stop by and spread the word to anyone they know looking to move to the neighborhood. Or maybe they’re thinking of moving themselves (hello new client!).

Make the Signage Pop

Use eye-catching signage to direct everyone to the open house. It should be bold, colorful, and big enough to grab the attention of people driving by. Keep the details brief so it’s easily readable from a reasonable distance. Most signs say “open house” and then have the date, time, and an arrow pointing the way.

Now that your open house marketing plan is complete, get out there and start promoting your event! Never hosted an open house before? Don’t be nervous! Check out our other blog, 6 Tips for Hosting an Open House for the First Time.